Pomponius Laetus, Julius

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Julius Pomponius Laetus (pŏmpō´nēəs lē´təs), 1425–1498?, Italian humanist, also called Giulio Pomponio Leto. His knowledge of ancient Rome was immense and his works numerous; they included a historical compendium of Roman and Byzantine emperors and a commentary on Vergil. As a tutor he exerted great influence on Alessandro Farnese, who became Pope Paul III.